John and Cristy Pelletier were thrilled when they learned they were having twins. They were concerned, however, when doctors induced Mrs. Pelletier a month early because one of the babies wasn't growing well during her pregnancy.

At birth their son Christian weighed a healthy 5 pounds 4 ounces and went home with his mother. His sister Aliya weighed only 3 pounds and 13 ounces. She spent 22 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Valley Hospital Medical Center. "The fact that Aliya could go right from delivery to a Level III NICU was outstanding," said Mrs. Pelletier. "It was very hard for us to leave her there, but we knew she was getting amazing care from the NICU staff."

The Pelletiers saw firsthand the advanced technology and treatments that staff used to help Aliya gain weight, fight a virus and improve her breathing.

Safety First
Nursery and NICU staff at The Valley Health System (VHS) hospitals is committed to giving newborns the care they need. Both Valley and Summerlin hospitals have Level III nurseries for treating very sick newborns. Spring Valley Hospital has a Level II nursery for moderately ill newborns. Centennial Hills Hospital is expected to open its Level II nursery soon.* "Parents can feel confident about the care their babies receive at VHS hospitals," said Mary Lou Haslach, Administrative Director of Women's Services at Valley Hospital. "We have many safety measures in place and are truly dedicated to helping babies get a good start in life."

Pharmacists use advanced software, devices and guidelines when dispensing and labeling medications to make sure newborns receive their required medications. One NICU has a satellite pharmacy to fill doctors' emergency and nonemergency medication requests.

Aliya Pelletier, who spent 22 days in a Level III NICU, snuggles with her brother Christian.

"We've enhanced communication among physicians, nurses and pharmacists," said Andrew Ten Eick, BS Pharm, RPh, PharmD, Pharmacy Pediatric Clinical Coordinator at Summerlin Hospital. "Physicians make the clinical decisions, but we round together on all patients and discuss the best treatment options for babies and their mothers."

Other measures that help our tiniest patients include:

• Neonatologists are available 24 hours a day to respond to medical problems.
• Experienced nurse practitioners provide hands-on care at some VHS hospitals.
• Nurseries and NICUs have electronic security systems in place.
• Units have low nurse-to-baby ratios.
• Nurses educate parents about how to care for their babies at home.
• Social workers are available to coordinate referrals.

Happy Outcomes
Today Aliya is a happy, healthy baby. "How well she's doing is a credit to the NICU staff," Mr. Pelletier said. "Everyone went above and beyond to get her healthy. The fact that they're so proactive about safety shows how professional and dedicated they are."

Where Will You spend Those First Special Moments?
Learn more about maternity services available at VHS hospitals. Please visit www.IchooseValleyHealthSystem.com and select Centennial Hills, Spring Valley, Summerlin or Valley Hospital.

*Centennial Hills Hospital’s NICU pending state approval as of press time.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106